Exploring Web 2.0Blogs, Wikis, Social Networks and Social Sharing

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The New Face of Learning “It's amazing in many ways that in just a few short years, we have gone from a Web that was primarily "read only" to one where creating content is almost as easy as consuming it”.

“One where writing and publishing in the forms of blogs, wikis and podcasts and many other such tools is available to everyone. One where we can connect not just to content but to people, ideas and conversations as well”.

“The good news for all of us is that today, anyone can become a lifelong learner. These technologies are user friendly in a way that technologies have not been in the past”Will Richardson - Edutopia

What is Web 2.0 ?

Web 2.0 is a term often applied to a perceived ongoing transition of the World Wide Web from a collection of websites to a full-fledged computing platform serving web applications to end users. Ultimately Web 2.0 services are expected to replace desktop computing applications for many purposes.“ Wikipedia

“The significance of the shift to Web 2.0 for education is that it empowers teachers and learners to easily create and share their own content and resources”.

Blogs and Blogging

What is a Blog?

• A frequently updated website, automatically archived.

• Easily updated using any web browser connected to the Internet.

• An online journal or newsletter, consisting of thoughts & commentary

• Blogs include links to supporting articles and websites.

• Most blogs allow readers to leave comments on posts.

• Blogs can be authored by an individual or by multiple authors.

ExamplesEducational 21st Century Collaborative http://21stcenturylearning.typepad.com/

PersonalAcevedos around the World

ClassNelson Central School

A learning Blog … not a social blogNot really blogging:

• Posting assignments • Journaling, i.e., "This is what I did today." • Posting links.

A learning blog is:

• Reflective, metacognitive writing or practice with or without links.• Commenting on experiences• Web links with analysis and synthesis that articulate a deeper understanding• Has potential audience response in mind.

Places to create a blog?

http://edublogs.org/

www.blogger.com

How do I make one?

Summary

• Updated Website• Automatically Archived • Accessed by any web browser• Personal thoughts and commentary• Links Articles/Websites• Upload photos and podcasts• Readers can leave comments

Wiki

"A wiki is a web application that allows users to add content, as on an Internet forum, but also allows anyone to edit the content. Wiki also refers to the collaborative software used to create such a website” Wikipedia

Examples

Wikipediahttp://www.wikipedia.org/

Emerging Technologies http://couros.wikispaces.com/emerging+technologies

Educational Softwarehttp://educationalsoftware.wikispaces.com/

Places to make a wiki

www.wikispaces.com (Free ad turn off for educators)

www.pbwiki.com

www.wetpaint.com

How do I make a wiki?

Summary

• Online• Users can add content• Anyone can edit information if you

choose• Add images and links• Set preferences• Invite people to join

Podcasting

Podcasting, made from Apple's "iPod" and "broadcasting", is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription, usually at no cost. It first became popular in late 2004, used largely for audio files."

Wikipedia

Podcasting does not actually require an iPod. One can access podcasts via the web with almost any audio software and/or with most portable digital music players. Creating podcasts can be done using free software. Podcast files can be hosted using various, free online services.

Podcasting

Create a podcast in the classroom using software (Audacity or Garageband). You can record audio and add music.

Or you can create, find or share podcasts online at Podomatic.

Examplewww.podomatic.com

www.bigpod.co.nz

Summary

• Mainly Audio

• Subscribe to updates

• Usually free• Create using free software i.e. Audacity

• Or create online

Social Networks

"A social network is a map of the relationships between individuals, indicating the ways in which they are connected through various social familiarities ranging from casual acquaintance to close familial bonds." Wikipedia

Social Networks• Social networking sites typically let users

develop a list of friends (aka the buddy list).

• You can explore your friends' buddy lists and find people with similar interests.

• You can perform a number of online activities: blogging, media-sharing, commenting, testimonials.

• You can personalize your 'space' easily using themes and widgets to make it look different from other people's.

Examples of Social Networks

You can:

• Add Photos

• Make friends

• Add Video

• People can leave messages

Facebook

Summary• Networks of people/like interests• Develop friends list• Explore friend’s buddy lists• Personalise the space• Send messages• Leave comments• Share media• Often Public Spaces

Facebook time-wasting costs billions

Photo Sharing

http://educationalsoftware.wikispaces.com/Picture+Sharing

There are many places where you can post pictures and photos. You can share them

with others and search for pictures posted by other people. There are privacy options

available.

Fd’s Flickr Toys

Lots of ways to use photos

• Magazine covers

• motivational posters

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/

Video Sharing

Just as you can add images up to the web you can also add video clips. There are a range of different sites to host video such as:

Embedding Video

You can embed videos into your blog, wiki or website from sites such as You Tube and Google Video. All you need is the html code from the website that hosts your video which you then add to your blog, wiki or website.

Widgets, Badges & Buttons

A widget (Windows gadget) is an object (slide shows, glitter text, polls, counters, etc) that you

can use to personalise your wiki, blog or website.

You create the widgets at a site then copy the code and paste it onto your site.

Slide Shows

If children or teachers have worked hard on a PowerPoint presentation in class, there are places where these can be uploaded so that you can share them with a wider audience.

RSS Feeds

RSS is everywhere. Have you seen these symbols?

"It is an alternative means of accessing the vast amount of information that now exists on the world wide web. Instead of the user browsing websites for information of interest, the information is sent directly to the user."

In Summary

• Blogs

• Wikis

• Podcasting

• Social Networking

• Social Sharing

• Widgets

• RSS Feeds

Set up an account

(Remember it’s Free!!!)

Follow instructions

Have a play !

Activity

• Using the sheet provided, take a quick tour of some of the websites. (30 minutes)

• Set up a blog on http://edublogs.org (60 minutes)

• Personalise your presentation. Add a post and some photos.

• Add a photo slideshow using RockYou

Spare time?

Make

• an avatar www.meez.com

• a magazine cover

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/

• A Warholizer

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/

Acknowledgements

Nathan Russell(original PowerPoint)

Suzie Vesper

Wikipedia